Infection Control by Radiographers during Radiological Examinations in Ghana

Abstract

Background

Practicing infection control in hospitals with the aim of preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases in the hospital environment of which the radiology department is of no exception is critical. This is to ensure the safety of staff and patients against contracting any disease from infection directly or indirectly during any hospital encounter.

Aim

To assess the appropriate use of infection control principles/measures by radiographers during practice and to also establish whether infection control guidelines are necessary.s

Patients & Methods

A descriptive quantitative survey was carried out among radiographers within three selected hospital in Ghana. In all 72 radiographers consented to participate in the study. A structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, knowledge of infection control and the necessity of infection control guidelines of the respondents were completed. Data collected were then entered into Microsoft Excel 2007.

Results

Out of the72 participants recruited to participate in the study, the majority (78%) were males. All the respondent were aware of infection control guidelines that needed to be observed in order to reduce the spread of infections but only 89% enforced its practice during the course of work.

Conclusion

The participants were aware of infection control guidelines but several of them failed to apply these procedures during course of work.